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Tillman, a skateboarding English bulldog that became a YouTube sensation, has died. He was 10 years old.
On Wednesday, owner Ron Davis of Oxnard announced the news on Tillman's official Facebook page. "We spent 10 years making so many incredible memories skating, surfing and hanging out together," Davis wrote of his friend. "No words can truly describe how much he'll be missed." According to the Ventura County Star, Tillman was suffering from a heart muscle disease and passed away while en route to a hospital.
Tillman, who also knew how to surf, became famous in 2007 when a video was uploaded to YouTube of him totally shredding in Venice. "Tillman's a freak. He's not normal," Davis told Vice Sports. "He was the runt of the litter and not the biggest guy, but he's tough, and all he wants to do is ride." As you can tell from the video, Tillman appears to genuinely enjoy riding his skateboard. This isn't some circus trick.
The video became went viral and was even featured in an early iPhone commercial.
Tillman parlayed his fame into becoming a spokesdog for Natural Balance Pet Foods and appeared annually at the Tournament of Roses Parade on their float. In 2009, Tillman set the Guinness World Record for Fastest 100 Meters On A Skateboard By A Dog:
Rest in peace, Tillman. Hope the shreddin' is good in heaven.
